My name is Jess, I live in a mining town in northern WA called Port Hedland. My wee family includes my gorgeous 5 year old son Elijah, Fab husband Tavis, Ruby the plump Labrador & Charlie the elderly Golden Retriever. After moving to Port Hedland 4 years ago I found myself in need of a hobby! It took me a good year or so to really hone in on what I wanted to do. After making accessories for family and friends I realised how much I loved it and Rainbows & Whimsy was born!

Can you explain your craft/art and the material you like to use?

I make accessories for girls. I have also started dabbling in decor items for girl's rooms which I hope to launch in my store soon. I guess you could say my signature would be bright, happy, whimsical pieces. I want my accessories to be fun, functional & simple! I love using both new and vintage materials. I use designer fabrics, paper flowers, colourful beads, vintage finds, lot's of glittery elastics & anything else that tickles my fancy.

Where do you get your inspiration and what is your creative process?

Apart from my rather wild imagination I get inspiration from everywhere! Interior design, children's fashion, art, music, other crafty maidens & the world around me!

How long have you been creating and how did you get into craft/art?

I have always loved creating! As a child I was always happy when I was kneel deep in glue sticks, glitter & colourful paper. I have always had a passion for painting & love creating mixed media art. After moving to Port Hedland I purchased a sewing machines & slowly but surely taught myself the basics. I dabbled in making children's clothing but found my true passion in creating lovely accessories.

How did you come up with your business name?

I came up with my business name rather easily. I LOVE colour, hence the Rainbows. I love everything whimsical & fun & don't like to take anything to seriously so using Whimsy made sense! Put the two together and you've got Rainbows & Whimsy.

What resources 'have or do you' use to help your creative pursuits (i.e. groups, classes, shops, websites etc)?

I love nothing more than learning new crafty abilities! I love taking online classes. I also love visiting art galleries, reading magazines and generally immersing myself in online forums. There is such a wealth of knowledge out there in the craft community, and most everyone is so willing to share, help & motive!

What's your best advice for someone starting up?

Don't worry about what anyone else is doing! Find your niche, and follow your heart. You always have to be 100% happy with the products you are selling or else the enjoyment of the process just won't be there :)

Do you have any advertising/promotion tips for sellers to be successful?

Get involved in online forums and groups! Really build a cohesive brand. Make sure your products, packaging, designs & log's all work together.

Can you share any lessons that you have learned the hard way?

Stay true to your own style! Whenever I have made a product because I think that is what people want, or that is what I should be doing it just flops. Trust in your designs and process and your business will be fulfilling!

What do you like to do besides creating?

I love nothing more than hanging out with my wee family! We pretty much do everything together.
I am definitely a book worm so love it when I have some free time to snuggle up with a good book.
I also love to cook….I'm definitely someone who believes food is so good for the soul.

What is your favourite music, television show, film, book, website?

When it comes to music, gosh I love all sorts! Music has to speak to me, make me feel something or make me want to dance.

At the moment I love documentaries and I really love the show Elementary which I make sure I never miss.

When it comes to films I love anything to do with super heroes and comic books. Also movies that really motivate and have something to teach us.

I love books! from classic english literature, to biographies and everything in between. Jodi picoult is a great author she really gets your mind thinking about the 'grey' areas in life.

There are far too many awesome websites for me to list. I love food blogs, pinterest, fashion blogs, art blogs (can you tell I like blogs?), so much awesomeness out there :)

What would be your perfect day?

Breakfast at a lovely cafe with the family, a visit to the art gallery & an afternoon spent lolling about reading and watching movies together.

Who is your favourite madeit seller, explain why in less than 10 words?

Bubby Makes Three - Not only does Nicole make amazingly gorgeous children's goodies, she has also been amazingly supportive of my wee business.